From John Graham to George Cupples   6 July 1869

Sir

With your letter of the 29 ultimo, I am duly favoured, and in answer am indeed sorry I can give you little information upon which you can rely regarding the subject of enquiry. viz.

1^st The comparative numbers of the sexes born in any year or years from any flock or herd?—

2^nd Whether there is any excess of mortality in either sex over the other at birth or afterwards?—

1^st From observation could not say, on an average of years, that equality of numbers of either sex vary much in sheep or Cattle.—

2^nd Mortality at birth, and more afterwards, will I think be in excess in males, to a certain degree,—lambs when young, during cold weather are subject to affections in the urinary organs often proving fatal, to which the female are not liable—¹ altogether males both sheep and Cattle are more tender and require better keep and attention until they reach eighteen months.—

No record of lambs kept.—

Pray excuse my delay in answering your letter.—

I am yours truly | John Graham

George Cupples Esq | Guard Bridge